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Geotechnical S
Engineering

Soil
 Content
Soil deposit based on an origin
Soil Map of India
Index Properties
Phase Relationships
 FORMATION OF SOILS

Soil is defined as a natural aggregate of mineral grains, with or without organic constituents, that
can be separated by gentle mechanical means such as agitation in water. By contrast rock is
considered to be a natural aggregate of mineral grains connected by strong and permanent cohesive
forces. The process of weathering of the rock decreases the cohesive forces binding the mineral
grains and leads to the disintegration of bigger masses to smaller and smaller particles. Soils are
formed by the process of weathering of the parent rock. The weathering of the rocks might be by
mechanical disintegration, and/or chemical decomposition.
 GENERAL TYPES OF SOILS

On the basis of origin of their constituents, soils can be divided into two large groups:
1. Residual soils
Residual soils are those that remain at the place of their formation as a result of the
weathering of parent rocks. The depth of residual soils depends primarily on climatic conditions
and the time of exposure. In some areas, this depth might be considerable. In temperate zones
residual soils are commonly stiff and stable. An important characteristic of residual soil is that the
sizes of grains are indefinite. For example, when a residual sample is sieved, the amount passing
any given sieve size depends greatly on the time and energy expended in shaking, because of the
partially disintegrated condition.
 2. Transported soils
Transported soils are soils that are found at locations far removed from their place of
formation. The transporting agencies of such soils are glaciers, wind and water.

The soils are named according to the mode of transportation:

Alluvial soils are those that have been transported by running water.
The soils that have been deposited in quiet lakes, are lacustrine soils.
Marine soils are those deposited in sea water.
The soils transported and deposited by wind are aeolian soils.
Those deposited primarily through the action of gravitational force, as in land slides, are colluvial soils.
Glacial soils are those deposited by glaciers.

Many of these transported soils are loose and soft to a depth of several hundred feet. Therefore, difficulties
with foundations and other types of construction are generally associated with transported soils.